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SCOTTISH HOUSE: A REVIEW OF RECENT EXPERIENCE IN BUILDING INDIVIDUAL AND SMALL GROUPS OF HOUSES WITH A VIEW TO SUSTAINABILITY, THE USE OF TRADITIONAL AND NEW MATERIALS, AND INNOVATIVE DESIGN

CHAPTER FIVE SUGGESTED FURTHER RESEARCH & DISSEMINATION ACTIVITY

Materials

• Research into materials & techniques which might be particularly suitable for Scotland e.g. timber, stone, earth, lime, minerals, earth clay, woodchip clay, hemp, light straw clay, crops, wool, processing leftovers;
  • aimed toward low cost housing, self-build and renovation markets;
  • extending to manufacturers/fabricators/contractors ;
  • geared to planning for long term availability within Scotland;
  • providing technical information on performance (U-values, air and moisture permeability, structural performance) of materials in a variety of conditions and constructions; and
  • including information on traditional crafts.
• Research on timber should be geared towards the use of the timber which will be locally available in the next 20 years and the more holistic use of our woodlands than is currently generally the case.
• Feedback on buildings constructed from local materials targeting regulations and leading to:-
  • examples of lived in long life timber and earth building;
  • design guidelines on detailing of timber, earth buildings; and
  • design guidelines on use of other traditional and new materials including straw, wool, roundpole, lime.
• Investigation of different procurement methods (ie. self-build & contractor) and architectural designs.
• Demonstration projects using traditional and new materials in the form of habited buildings monitored during construction and use.
• Information on weathering of materials - benefits and disbenefits re -aesthetics & treatments.
• Better information on leaching of materials.
• Better information on impact of treatments on biosystems.
• Dissemination of information on conflicts between traditional materials and environmental impact (eg imported slates).
• A network/website of Scottish suppliers of clean materials, services, products.
• Information on maintenance and end of life aspects of materials in relation to toxicity and existing and future legislation.

Process

• Continuing Professional Development for planners/ BC officers.
• Professional guidelines on sustainable development objectives.
• Leaflet of useful contacts on sustainable construction for dissemination by planning departments.
• A review of what criteria are being applied for sustainable development and how guidance is being communicated to designers, clients, builders & occupants.
• Information on the costs of sustainable building.
• Formal feedback mechanisms.
• Guidance specifically directed at renovation of old buildings.
• Supply chain development of clean building materials in Scotland.
• Professional criteria.
• Incentives and opportunities.

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